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Snakes, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll: My Early Years
- GenresAutobiographyBiography
400 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 10, 2024
Mentions at least 72 dangerous animals
May 7, 2024
Snakes, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll can be spoken about taking cues from the then times of 50s and 60s, in the USA and India. It can be discussed through music, Rom has shared the songs he listened to during different phases of his life. Then the discussion can happen as the book being a travelogue, as Rom travelled around the world, and sometimes beyond, in first 24 years covered in the book or the odd jobs he picked up during his travels. At the end of it I have lost count of the number of jobs he took up and the number of countries he set foot on. I doubt if Rom himself has a checklist of those. This book is also about seeking escapism, independence and freedom from orders of the world but essentially it is a hunting compilation and everything else revolves around it. Rom will possibly be one of the last few representatives of people in India who learned animal behavior, its ecology and its needs through Shikaar.
There has been no dearth of shikaar books, but Snakes, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll is starkly different. In 1888, a book was authored by Col. Cuthbert Larking, he titled the book ‘Bandobast and Khabar’. It has to be the most interesting title for a shikaar book I’ve come across, for the act of shikaar to have a desired outcome it relies on how one made arrangements, largely logistical (Bandobast) and how was the information transmitted (Khabar) about the target species. For Bandobast and Khabar, most of hunting tales used to outsource the job when it came to making arrangements for a vehicle, setting up a campsite, cooking there, picking up the animal post death, treating the animal, getting in touch with relevant people who live around the target species and countless other minute details which needs attention for days surrounding a gunshot, or use of any other weapon of choice or availability. Rom did all of this himself, which makes the reader experience wholesome, of course it must’ve made Rom a complete hunter for it was all DIY.
An excerpt from the book follows to round the above off:
I heated the motorbike spark plug on the stove and, with clumsy gloved hands, tightened it with a wrench into the top of the cylinder. The old bike sputtered and started in three kicks. The frigid breeze froze my cheeks, but the goggles prevented my eyes from tearing.
Dean huddled behind me, using me as a windbreak. No one else was on the road, which suited us fine. We headed to the place where Sammy had pointed to mule deer recently. I pulled on to a trail with loose snow, which made it hard to balance. Using my feet to steady the bike, we reached the forest edge. We'd have to walk from here.
I leaned the AJS against a tree. After I put together the Remington and Dean assembled his .222, which had a much better range than my .22, we were ready.
'You head to the left of that stand of trees and I'll go on around the right side of the hill,' he said. 'One of us is bound to find a deer. They seem to know it ain't hunting season, so you can get good and close to them, which is what you need to do to get a shot with that little peashooter of yours.’
I scowled and trudged the gentle slope to the shelter of the first trees. I hadn't ploughed through two hundred feet before a movement in the forest caught my eye. A spike-antlered buck deer was pawing the snow to uncover some edible bush. With the tree branches weighted low by snow hiding my approach, I got close. The stag was still intent on finding forage. I clicked the safety off, raised the rifle and waited for him to raise his head. When he looked straight at me, I squeezed the trigger. The hollow-point bullet smashed into his brain. He flopped down and died without much more than a twitch or two. Dean was out of earshot, as there was no sign of him. That's when I realized we had forgotten to bring a cleaver for butchering.
My trusty Swiss Army knife would have to do. I field-dressed the buck right there, slicing the carcass open and spilling the steaming guts on to the white snow. For the next hour, l carved it into pieces to fit under my coat and into the two side boxes of the motorbike, severing the tendons in the joints of the fore and hind legs, and using a rock to smash the pelvic bone. I scraped the gore from my icy hands with pine needles and snow before donning my gloves. I had finished when Dean arrived, empty-handed.
We stuffed the liver, heart and ribs into the panniers, and tucked the hind legs under Dean's big overcoat and the front limbs under mine. Our shirts became wet and sticky from the blood, but we were more worried about hiding the carcass. We both looked stouter than usual as we put-putted straight to the freezer. After ensuring no one was around, we cut the meat into manageable chunks, wrapped each in wax paper, taped the packages, labelled them with grease pencils and packed the lot into our locker.
The purpose of his hunting pursuits have been different throughout his life, sometimes even hunger, which again differentiates it from other shikaar books, but when he returned to USA for college after his schooling in India he realises that he is homesick and needs to find a way to return. After few years of failed attempts at jumping ships, a lot of life unfolded for him during this time but he returns to shikaar to fund his journey back to India.
What made Rom or Breezy, the Romulus Whitaker? It’s a long answer, perhaps the book is the best answer but his school magazine way back in 50s has summed it all for us. The magazine wrote:
Have you ever seen a little green thing eating cookies on the dining room table? You must have, because Breezy's latest pet, his Mandapam parrot, comes to tea almost as many times as his owner. Animals and the outdoors are just as much a part of Breezy as revolutions and bullfights are of 'Papa' Hemingway. Just about every Saturday he heads for Tope, Rat Tail or some other far-flung spot where he can 'get away from it all', and, in his wanderings around Kodai, he has found the enjoyment which he seems to find lacking in most Highclerc social activities. The fauna which he brings back from these treks are a source of interest, consternation and amusement, be they parrots or pythons.
Romulus Whitaker is around 80 years old now. By the end of the book, Rom turns 24 which feels like an eternity already. It leaves the readers wanting to know everything else after. I gathered from one of the interviews that the next part of the book will be a wildlife history of India through Rom’s eyes and life.
The book has ebbs and flows of a breeze blowing in different temperatures and speed capable of pleasing or troubling you at the same time depending on the kind of shelters and the amount of layers you own in your head. The same rain is coffee time for some, crop destruction for the other, traffic jam for some and a fertile land for the other. Rom and Janaki may have written a great plot for a movie, any producers listening?
There has been no dearth of shikaar books, but Snakes, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll is starkly different. In 1888, a book was authored by Col. Cuthbert Larking, he titled the book ‘Bandobast and Khabar’. It has to be the most interesting title for a shikaar book I’ve come across, for the act of shikaar to have a desired outcome it relies on how one made arrangements, largely logistical (Bandobast) and how was the information transmitted (Khabar) about the target species. For Bandobast and Khabar, most of hunting tales used to outsource the job when it came to making arrangements for a vehicle, setting up a campsite, cooking there, picking up the animal post death, treating the animal, getting in touch with relevant people who live around the target species and countless other minute details which needs attention for days surrounding a gunshot, or use of any other weapon of choice or availability. Rom did all of this himself, which makes the reader experience wholesome, of course it must’ve made Rom a complete hunter for it was all DIY.
An excerpt from the book follows to round the above off:
I heated the motorbike spark plug on the stove and, with clumsy gloved hands, tightened it with a wrench into the top of the cylinder. The old bike sputtered and started in three kicks. The frigid breeze froze my cheeks, but the goggles prevented my eyes from tearing.
Dean huddled behind me, using me as a windbreak. No one else was on the road, which suited us fine. We headed to the place where Sammy had pointed to mule deer recently. I pulled on to a trail with loose snow, which made it hard to balance. Using my feet to steady the bike, we reached the forest edge. We'd have to walk from here.
I leaned the AJS against a tree. After I put together the Remington and Dean assembled his .222, which had a much better range than my .22, we were ready.
'You head to the left of that stand of trees and I'll go on around the right side of the hill,' he said. 'One of us is bound to find a deer. They seem to know it ain't hunting season, so you can get good and close to them, which is what you need to do to get a shot with that little peashooter of yours.’
I scowled and trudged the gentle slope to the shelter of the first trees. I hadn't ploughed through two hundred feet before a movement in the forest caught my eye. A spike-antlered buck deer was pawing the snow to uncover some edible bush. With the tree branches weighted low by snow hiding my approach, I got close. The stag was still intent on finding forage. I clicked the safety off, raised the rifle and waited for him to raise his head. When he looked straight at me, I squeezed the trigger. The hollow-point bullet smashed into his brain. He flopped down and died without much more than a twitch or two. Dean was out of earshot, as there was no sign of him. That's when I realized we had forgotten to bring a cleaver for butchering.
My trusty Swiss Army knife would have to do. I field-dressed the buck right there, slicing the carcass open and spilling the steaming guts on to the white snow. For the next hour, l carved it into pieces to fit under my coat and into the two side boxes of the motorbike, severing the tendons in the joints of the fore and hind legs, and using a rock to smash the pelvic bone. I scraped the gore from my icy hands with pine needles and snow before donning my gloves. I had finished when Dean arrived, empty-handed.
We stuffed the liver, heart and ribs into the panniers, and tucked the hind legs under Dean's big overcoat and the front limbs under mine. Our shirts became wet and sticky from the blood, but we were more worried about hiding the carcass. We both looked stouter than usual as we put-putted straight to the freezer. After ensuring no one was around, we cut the meat into manageable chunks, wrapped each in wax paper, taped the packages, labelled them with grease pencils and packed the lot into our locker.
The purpose of his hunting pursuits have been different throughout his life, sometimes even hunger, which again differentiates it from other shikaar books, but when he returned to USA for college after his schooling in India he realises that he is homesick and needs to find a way to return. After few years of failed attempts at jumping ships, a lot of life unfolded for him during this time but he returns to shikaar to fund his journey back to India.
What made Rom or Breezy, the Romulus Whitaker? It’s a long answer, perhaps the book is the best answer but his school magazine way back in 50s has summed it all for us. The magazine wrote:
Have you ever seen a little green thing eating cookies on the dining room table? You must have, because Breezy's latest pet, his Mandapam parrot, comes to tea almost as many times as his owner. Animals and the outdoors are just as much a part of Breezy as revolutions and bullfights are of 'Papa' Hemingway. Just about every Saturday he heads for Tope, Rat Tail or some other far-flung spot where he can 'get away from it all', and, in his wanderings around Kodai, he has found the enjoyment which he seems to find lacking in most Highclerc social activities. The fauna which he brings back from these treks are a source of interest, consternation and amusement, be they parrots or pythons.
Romulus Whitaker is around 80 years old now. By the end of the book, Rom turns 24 which feels like an eternity already. It leaves the readers wanting to know everything else after. I gathered from one of the interviews that the next part of the book will be a wildlife history of India through Rom’s eyes and life.
The book has ebbs and flows of a breeze blowing in different temperatures and speed capable of pleasing or troubling you at the same time depending on the kind of shelters and the amount of layers you own in your head. The same rain is coffee time for some, crop destruction for the other, traffic jam for some and a fertile land for the other. Rom and Janaki may have written a great plot for a movie, any producers listening?
May 12, 2024
Snakes, Drugs and Rock 'N' Roll: My Early Years, Romulus Whitaker with Janaki Lenin
As someone who thoroughly enjoyed Janaki Lenin’s 'My Husband and Other Animals,' I eagerly anticipated diving into this book, and I was not disappointed. It captivated me with its wild stories from start to finish, making it a compelling read for anyone in their early twenties grappling with decision-making and the pressures of getting it right.
This biography delves into the fascinating life of Romulus Whitaker, renowned as 'The Snake Man of India' for his significant contributions to the conservation of Indian reptiles. The narrative paints a vivid picture of his journey, encompassing the highs, lows, and complexities of his experiences from childhood through adulthood.
One aspect that stood out to me, particularly from an educator’s perspective, was the profound influence of Romulus’ mother. Her nurturing guidance not only encouraged his passions but also instilled in him a deep sense of curiosity, laying a robust foundation for his future explorations. The book sheds light on the importance of balanced and nurturing environments in fostering holistic education, drawing insights from Romulus’ educational journey and the institutions he encountered along the way.
Beyond its educational value, the book offers delightful glimpses into old Bombay, evoking nostalgia for a time when the city was free from pollution and towering skyscrapers. The humorous poetries and song recommendations interspersed throughout the narrative added a light-hearted touch, especially in recounting Romulus’ mischievous adventures from school to adulthood.
Overall, this book not only entertains but also inspires confidence to step out of one’s comfort zone and embrace new experiences. I eagerly await the next instalment, eager to continue the journey with Romulus Whitaker.
As someone who thoroughly enjoyed Janaki Lenin’s 'My Husband and Other Animals,' I eagerly anticipated diving into this book, and I was not disappointed. It captivated me with its wild stories from start to finish, making it a compelling read for anyone in their early twenties grappling with decision-making and the pressures of getting it right.
This biography delves into the fascinating life of Romulus Whitaker, renowned as 'The Snake Man of India' for his significant contributions to the conservation of Indian reptiles. The narrative paints a vivid picture of his journey, encompassing the highs, lows, and complexities of his experiences from childhood through adulthood.
One aspect that stood out to me, particularly from an educator’s perspective, was the profound influence of Romulus’ mother. Her nurturing guidance not only encouraged his passions but also instilled in him a deep sense of curiosity, laying a robust foundation for his future explorations. The book sheds light on the importance of balanced and nurturing environments in fostering holistic education, drawing insights from Romulus’ educational journey and the institutions he encountered along the way.
Beyond its educational value, the book offers delightful glimpses into old Bombay, evoking nostalgia for a time when the city was free from pollution and towering skyscrapers. The humorous poetries and song recommendations interspersed throughout the narrative added a light-hearted touch, especially in recounting Romulus’ mischievous adventures from school to adulthood.
Overall, this book not only entertains but also inspires confidence to step out of one’s comfort zone and embrace new experiences. I eagerly await the next instalment, eager to continue the journey with Romulus Whitaker.
June 1, 2024
I thought I knew Rom, growing up watching his documentaries in natgeo, even after reading 'My husband and other animals' that all comes no where near to the life he lived
Why this book? Its a nostalgia ride back to 50's of India, particularly the bombay, kodai and mysore. The 60's hippie culture of US and his other experiments with what the book title conveys XD
This is what a go with the flow life looks like, as a lousy collage freshman, to hunting, fishing, door to door salesman, a sailer, his turning point as an apprentice to bill hast the snake man in Miami, getting drafted to military.. And finally catching snakes to earn a ticket back to his home India...
And most important detail is the crucial role his mom played in shaping the rom he is now.
And I get why he doesn't like to be called a conservationist XD
Of all the highs and lows of his life, he held on to what his 5 year old self loved doing the most and there lies the lesson for all of us :)
Why this book? Its a nostalgia ride back to 50's of India, particularly the bombay, kodai and mysore. The 60's hippie culture of US and his other experiments with what the book title conveys XD
This is what a go with the flow life looks like, as a lousy collage freshman, to hunting, fishing, door to door salesman, a sailer, his turning point as an apprentice to bill hast the snake man in Miami, getting drafted to military.. And finally catching snakes to earn a ticket back to his home India...
And most important detail is the crucial role his mom played in shaping the rom he is now.
And I get why he doesn't like to be called a conservationist XD
Of all the highs and lows of his life, he held on to what his 5 year old self loved doing the most and there lies the lesson for all of us :)
April 19, 2024
Romulus Whitaker, affectionately known as the 'Snakeman of India', emerges as a legend in wildlife conservation through the vibrant pages of his autobiography, "Snakes, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll: My Early Years." From his unconventional upbringing in rural America to his adventurous escapades across India and beyond, Whitaker's life story unfolds with candid humour and vivid recollections, offering readers a delightful glimpse into his colourful world.
In this captivating memoir, Whitaker traces his lifelong fascination with snakes and the natural world, revealing pivotal moments that shaped his unconventional path. From discovering a shed snakeskin as a child to pursuing his passion for reptiles despite societal expectations, Whitaker's journey is marked by a fearless pursuit of his inner calling amidst a backdrop of familial and societal influences.
Throughout the book, Whitaker paints a vivid portrait of his surroundings, from the lush wilderness of the Nilgiris to the bustling streets of Mumbai. His encounters with an eclectic cast of characters, both human and animal, add depth and richness to the narrative, highlighting the enduring bond between man and nature.
As Whitaker reflects on his adventures, he offers candid insights into his own nature, including his penchant for hunting and the moral complexities that accompany it. Yet, amidst the exhilarating escapades and daring exploits, Whitaker remains grounded by the guiding influence of his mother, whose unwavering support and moral compass shape his journey of self-discovery.
The cover image features vibrant colours and wildlife imagery, capturing Whitaker's fascination with reptiles. The writing style is vivid, colourful, and conversational, with humour and wit. The language is accessible and engaging, appealing to readers of all ages. The cover image and writing style aim to captivate readers and offer a glimpse into Whitaker's life and adventures.
With its blend of humour, adventure, and introspection, this memoir is a captivating read that will resonate with readers of all ages, inviting them to embark on a thrilling journey through the eyes of a true conservation pioneer. "Snakes, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll" stands as a mirror image to Whitaker's indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation.
In this captivating memoir, Whitaker traces his lifelong fascination with snakes and the natural world, revealing pivotal moments that shaped his unconventional path. From discovering a shed snakeskin as a child to pursuing his passion for reptiles despite societal expectations, Whitaker's journey is marked by a fearless pursuit of his inner calling amidst a backdrop of familial and societal influences.
Throughout the book, Whitaker paints a vivid portrait of his surroundings, from the lush wilderness of the Nilgiris to the bustling streets of Mumbai. His encounters with an eclectic cast of characters, both human and animal, add depth and richness to the narrative, highlighting the enduring bond between man and nature.
As Whitaker reflects on his adventures, he offers candid insights into his own nature, including his penchant for hunting and the moral complexities that accompany it. Yet, amidst the exhilarating escapades and daring exploits, Whitaker remains grounded by the guiding influence of his mother, whose unwavering support and moral compass shape his journey of self-discovery.
The cover image features vibrant colours and wildlife imagery, capturing Whitaker's fascination with reptiles. The writing style is vivid, colourful, and conversational, with humour and wit. The language is accessible and engaging, appealing to readers of all ages. The cover image and writing style aim to captivate readers and offer a glimpse into Whitaker's life and adventures.
With its blend of humour, adventure, and introspection, this memoir is a captivating read that will resonate with readers of all ages, inviting them to embark on a thrilling journey through the eyes of a true conservation pioneer. "Snakes, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll" stands as a mirror image to Whitaker's indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation.
August 31, 2024
Padma Shree Romulus Earl Whitaker (born 1943) is an iconic name in Indian wildlife conservation, especially herpetology. Having had the fortune of direct mentorship and close professional association with him, it is a very gratifying thing to get to read the part-1 of his biography. The book chronicles very eventful and decorated life incidents of his and the amazing wildlife involved alongside. These will surely inspire the current and future generations of herpetologists in the Indian subcontinent and elsewhere abroad. The rather unconventional childhood and teenage life and early adult periods' accounts vividly captured in the book gives an idea of his passion and dedication to conserving India's dwindling forests and wildlife, especially those with a baggage of unreasonable prejudice - reptiles, more so snakes and crocodiles. All in all, this book is a welcome addition to your library shelves - a constant reminder that lingers in the readers mind of the necessity to jump-in and get involved in wildlife conservation. The much-awaited part-2 will hopefully be an even more important book as it will be chockful of his professional career, after his foremost of conservation achievements start!
September 25, 2024
A riveting memoir by the distinguished herpetologist India has witnessed!
Rom had done pretty good job at recollecting old memories in this book. It's so engrossing read through early years and what shaped into his conservation endeavours later in life. Drugs and snake hunting during his youth are documented in vivid details.
I just can't fathom now rampant and reckless hunting that was unrestricted before there were strict laws to curb such pursuits. People could understand the implications of such practise on native wildlife by reading this. Rom did advise "say no to drugs" and it would have been better if he advised against reckless hunting with same spirit.
I did see the photos available online. Could have made into an online gallery instead of just an Google drive. Nonetheless, the photo collection is good and great extension for photos printed as insert in the book.
I'm eagerly waiting to read another book Scaling Up by Rom's ex-wife Zai Whitaker which supposedly throws some accounts of his later years. Hope it would be exciting read too.
Rom had done pretty good job at recollecting old memories in this book. It's so engrossing read through early years and what shaped into his conservation endeavours later in life. Drugs and snake hunting during his youth are documented in vivid details.
I just can't fathom now rampant and reckless hunting that was unrestricted before there were strict laws to curb such pursuits. People could understand the implications of such practise on native wildlife by reading this. Rom did advise "say no to drugs" and it would have been better if he advised against reckless hunting with same spirit.
I did see the photos available online. Could have made into an online gallery instead of just an Google drive. Nonetheless, the photo collection is good and great extension for photos printed as insert in the book.
I'm eagerly waiting to read another book Scaling Up by Rom's ex-wife Zai Whitaker which supposedly throws some accounts of his later years. Hope it would be exciting read too.
August 3, 2024
You may or may not be a snake-lover but if you love nature, you would love this book. Funny, candid and very informative that is what this book is.
Herpetology is an unconventional career choice anywhere, only more so in India. Now add to that the fact that Rom Whitaker was born an American, started playing with snakes at the age of four and was later naturalized as an Indian citizen, and you have a very interesting and engrossing story. Rom does not bombast the reader with technicalities of herpetology. To me he came across as naughty boy-next-door with an uncommon hobby. It would be lovely to have a movie based on this book, with Rom playing the role in it!
The book gives an up and close glimpse of how this American boy got charmed by India and its snakes. In a way the book goes to show how much one can achieve when you follow your passion with matching actions. This narrative also gives several interesting glimpses of India of 1950s, particularly Mumbai and the South. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
Herpetology is an unconventional career choice anywhere, only more so in India. Now add to that the fact that Rom Whitaker was born an American, started playing with snakes at the age of four and was later naturalized as an Indian citizen, and you have a very interesting and engrossing story. Rom does not bombast the reader with technicalities of herpetology. To me he came across as naughty boy-next-door with an uncommon hobby. It would be lovely to have a movie based on this book, with Rom playing the role in it!
The book gives an up and close glimpse of how this American boy got charmed by India and its snakes. In a way the book goes to show how much one can achieve when you follow your passion with matching actions. This narrative also gives several interesting glimpses of India of 1950s, particularly Mumbai and the South. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
June 22, 2024
An easy-going memoir of a true free spirit. Whitaker and Lenin write with a rollicking flair of expert raconteurs, and you can well imagine yourself transported to their tropical verandah, listening to Romulus recounting his riotous tales with a grin in his eye and a sparkle in his teeth, while Janaki takes journalistic notes. He is a Durrell for the beat generation, mixing his fascination with snake catching with his experiments with hallucinogens, and throwing himself at life with all the abandon of someone clearly in love with living. He is self-deprecatory and candid throughout, yet through this recounting of the first 25 years of his life, you see foreshadowed the formative processes that made Whitaker the incredible force of nature that he is. He is not yet the revolutionary voice for reptile conservation that he will become, but you can sense how he will get there. I cannot wait to read the next chapter in his rakishly inspirational life.
July 6, 2024
Look, Rom Whitaker has been a personal hero since I was a single digit age, so it's no surprise that I fucking love this book and cannot wait for the next two parts. That said, it actually is excellently written, Rom's style propulsive, welcoming, and reflective but clear-eyed at the same time—in a certain way, like many good memoirs do, it also serves as a history of the US and India during Rom's youth. Probably required reading if you love memoir or any of the things in the title (the drugs, for the record, are largely weed and psychedelics—choices that, to me, make a lot of sense for a legendary cross-cultural snakeman as opposed to hard party drugs).
August 14, 2024
What a journey!
SD&RR guides its readers with remarkable ease and honesty through a vivid world that can only be embraced. Whitaker’s travels range from humility to glory on the backs of numerous motorbikes and various pre owned speedy cars. Connecting with the instinctual nature of snakes (animals) brings a truth to our own path, Rom followed his path beautifully. Whether or not you are familiar with his life’s work or just picked up the book because of its great feel and cover, this book is a marvelous account of an unforgettable life. Although now, I’m gratefully left hanging…and motor ready for volume 2 and 3!
SD&RR guides its readers with remarkable ease and honesty through a vivid world that can only be embraced. Whitaker’s travels range from humility to glory on the backs of numerous motorbikes and various pre owned speedy cars. Connecting with the instinctual nature of snakes (animals) brings a truth to our own path, Rom followed his path beautifully. Whether or not you are familiar with his life’s work or just picked up the book because of its great feel and cover, this book is a marvelous account of an unforgettable life. Although now, I’m gratefully left hanging…and motor ready for volume 2 and 3!
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October 14, 2025First, the genealogy. Rom Whitaker's grand dad is Harin Chattopadhaya. Though Harin-babu had little to shape Rom's outlook towards life, I found this connection curious. The book reads like a modern day endless wanderlust classic. Wanderlust not just in the sense of someone indulging in geographical travel but a much wider spectrum that touches travels of the mind, interests, people and everything that you'd expect to come along. Boarding school in Kodai, hunting in Wynomig, bo'sun in a ship, draftee for the Vietnam war, all happening around Rom's steady interest in snakes! Read the book slowly. A life as colorful, fast and changing in milieu deserves to be savored, not wolfed down.
March 10, 2025
What a life! I couldn't put the book down and finished it in three days! Starting with his life in upstate New York, Rom's family moved to India, where he lived his entire childhood. He returned to the United States for college, was drafted, and had only one goal: to return to India. The story comes full circle when he finally returned to India. In between, there are many great reptile stories, including a bite from a green rock rattlesnake. Volumes two and three are in the works, and will be just as good, if not better than this one!
December 30, 2024
I mean, it’s Rom. And Janaki. This book was *always* going to be epic! Can’t wait for the next instalment.
August 18, 2025
As someone who grew up visiting the Madras Crocodile Bank, I had always been intrigued by the people behind the organisation. This book provides a clear, ego-less,and gripping tale of Romulus Whittaker.
July 29, 2024
Such a great read! I really feel like I am sitting around with him just listening to stories of his past. I appreciate the honesty of the times even though certain things would seem controversial now. I think the ability to be adventurous can inspire great things. And as much as I respect this man for contribution to Herps, I love that he includes a whole list of great songs that he tripped on…a complete immersive experience!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews